It’s that time of year again. When all of Madison seems to rush to the capitol square at 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons to “claim their spot” on the lawn of the capitol for an evening of great music and people watching. What is it–The 2015 Season of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square.

If you’re a first time attendee–there are some do’s and don’t to this great event.

3 PM
Blankets may be placed on the lawn after 3 pm.

5 PM
Food and Beverage Booths open. Kids’ Area opens.

7 PM
Concert begins

SEATING
Seating is available on the Capitol lawn. For older adults or individuals with special needs, limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis along the S. Pinckney St. and Main St. sidewalk areas.

INFORMATION BOOTH
The Information Booth is located near the King St. corner on S. Pinckney Strett. Receive First Aid, check lost & found or get program information.

RAIN CALL
The decision to continue or postpone a concert due to weather conditions will be made at 3 pm on concert days.

CONCERT ETIQUETTETalking: For the enjoyment of others around you, please refrain from talking while the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is performing.

Recording: In compliance with copyright laws and contractual arrangements with artists, audio and video recording of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performances are prohibited.

I’ve been following this story since that tragic night on March 6 with Tony Robinson was shot and killed by a Madison police officer. The initial reaction by most, including me, was outrage that an unarmed “kid” would be shot in an apartment stairwell by someone charged to “Serve and PROTECT”.

In the days that followed, however, I began to change my opinion. You see Anthony Robinson was a troubled young man. In fact in April 2014 he was convicted of armed home invasion of a home in Madison. Interestingly enough he was never incarcerated for this crime, although found guilty. One could argue had that happened, he would be alive today. In the initial investigation of the altercation he had with the officer who killed him, it was revealed that he had allegedly ingested hallucinogenic mushrooms the day he was shot.

Now that the full report is being released not only did he ingest the mushrooms, his roommate admitted that they got high on pot that day as well.

So here we sit, a city in protest about a 19 year old’s life taken. That is tragic. I do feel for the family and their loss. Yet I can’t help but feel what we need now is true LEADERSHIP from not only the city but also from the African American community as well. What do I mean? When will the black leaders step out and start shouting down the violent culture that seems to emanate from just a small faction of the community? Where will the “Al Shartpon’s” of the world show up to say, Stop being Thugs. Stop Doing Drugs. Stop Idolizing a life of violence and crime! When is that going to happen?

I put the point of that spear right with President Obama. Here we sit. At a time in our country’s history when we have our first Black President and he doesn’t even show leadership on this issue. Instead, as I just witnessed on a CNN report where he sat at a table to discuss these issues by simply saying…I broke out of this and so can anyone else. Is that leadership? How about shouting down the small percentage of the criminals in our communities? How about telling them to clean up their behavior or get out of the US?

I see this as a HUGE opportunity for the President to truly leave his legacy. You don’t need the African American community to get re-elected any longer. You could use your position and power to truly change the conversation within the entire country.

I’ve been nearly a lifelong resident of Madison. I love this city in spite of some of the craziness it sees from time to time. Let’s not allow this to change our city for the worse. I believe we can be a city of complete inclusiveness. I believe that can ONLY happen when we start treating each other as Madisononians–not giving every part of our diverse community clear distinctions. Criminals are criminals. Great citizens are great citizens. Let’s DEMAND Leadership on this and see what can happen.

Exactly why I love living in Madison. Even as I become one of the “Old Guys” in Madison the energy and vibe the young adults in Madison bring to the city makes it a place that keeps me young as well.

Kiplinger reported that based upon our low unemployment rate (4.9%) our relatively good cost of living (108.2%) and many other factors. we are the #1 US city for Young Adults.

Here’s what they said: “Madison is an educated, tech-savvy city, filled with recent grads who have enough energy to launch a dozen start-ups and still have time to check out that brewpub down the block.”

USA Today called the Dane County Farmer’s Market One of the Best in the World. Iagree and quite often find I take for granted just how wonderful it is. You can read their story here. medium=rss&utm_campaign=farmers-market-named-one-of-worlds-best-by-usa-today

With one of the most interesting races about to conclude, don’t miss out on your chance to cast your vote. The City of Madison Clerk’s office has developed an great website to get you to the correct polling place. You can find it by clicking this link.

Regardless of where you stand on the issues, I for one, am grateful this day is finally here. I’d like to get Central Madison back to how it used to be without the protests, without the horn blowing and without the angry mobs who seem to be angry at everyone.